Tornado watch posted; twister reported near Buford

A line of storms that should reach Athens before dark dropped an apparent tornado in Gwinnett County, where at least 10 homes were damaged, police said this afternoon.

The National Weather Service office in Peachtree City this afternoon issued a tornado watch for Athens and surrounding counties, effective through 10 tonight.

The line of storms is sagging eastward, though individual cells in the line are scooting northeast at 55 mph, the weather service said.

An apparent tornado touched down near Gravel Springs and Morgan roads near Buford at about 4 this afternoon, Gwinnett County police said. Gravel Springs Road is also designated Georgia Highway 324, and Morgan Road is at the intersection of Ga. 324 and Interstate 85 west of Hoschton.

Police and firefighters were dispatched to the area, and are conducting a door-to-door search.